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ARBORIST REPORT & TREE PRESERVATION PLAN

 Municipal by-laws respecting trees provide for the protection of trees situated on both private and municipal property. Retention and appropriate protection of existing trees is expected to be considered when developing plans and whenever possible, buildings, driveways and utilities are to be diverted around trees.

 Municipalities require that trees within the following five categories be reported upon in arborist reports for development applications

• Trees with diameters of 30 cm or more situated on private property on the subject site.
• Trees with diameters of 30 cm or more situated on private property, within 6 m of the subject site.
• Trees of all diameters situated on municipal parkland within 6 m of the subject site.
• On lands designated under Municipal Bylaws, Ravine and Natural Feature Protection, trees of all diameters situated within 10 m of any construction activity.
• Trees of all diameters situated within the municipal road allowance adjacent to the subject site.

 Trunk diameter typically measured using a calibrated diameter tape. The measurement is usually taken at 1.4 m above ground level, generally referred to as the diameter at breast height (DBH). Trees located on adjacent property usually viewed from the subject site and DBH was estimated. Trees are typically assessed by visual inspection from the ground. Trees are evaluated in consideration of overall health and structural integrity and assigned a condition rating ranging from good to fair to poor.  Trees are tagged using metal number-stamped tags. Tags are affixed to trees at the 1.5m – 2m mark.

 A stand-alone inventory of trees on the site is not considered adequate information for an Arborist Report. In addition to identifying the species, size, condition and category of trees, Arborist Report is required to provide a tree preservation plan which provides recommendations for tree protection and preservation measures for all trees that are to be retained. The Arborist needs relevant site, construction and grading plans in order to determine the potential impact of construction activities on trees and to recommend required tree protection measures in the Arborist Report. The ‘Arborist Report’ will be considered incomplete unless the required tree preservation plan is submitted  The submission of Arborist Reports that are adequately detailed will enable a more efficient and effective review of proposals by municipal staff.

Please note that the following are guidelines and that all listed information need not be included in every Arborist Report as each individual situation warrants an individual level of detail.

 TYPICAL INFORMATION INCLUDED IN AN ARBORIST REPORT & TREE PRESERVATION PLAN:

 Location of tree(s) in relation to existing and any proposed structures, lot boundaries, or relative proximity to other tree(s), e.g. Southeast corner of rear lot, between fence and shed. Include tree(s) on neighbouring properties if they fall within 6 m of the site.
Species: Identification of the trees by common English name and scientific name
Size: Accurate measurement of diameter of the tree in centimetres (measured 1.4 m from ground).

 Nature of Work: What arboricultural work is undertaken on the trees, e.g. pruning, tree removal, root pruning, tree protection measures required for construction, etc. If the trees are a part of a woodlot, the silvicultural effect of the proposed work, e.g. disturbing the natural edge, thinning, creating a canopy opening to provide better light conditions, slope destabilization, etc.

 Condition: Detailed information about the condition of the trees especially in instances where it is determined that the trees are not in good condition. The determination of the condition rating will be based on some of the following factors:

 Structural Integrity (Any recent limb failures, sign or evidence of structural weaknesses, noticeable stress cracks, frost cracks, weak unions, and bark unions)

•  Deadwood (%)
•  Vigour (Is the tree healthy and in leaf, or in decline and struggling)
•  Any insects infecting the trees? (What?)
•  Any pathological concerns for the trees? (What?)
•  Any fungal fruiting bodies evident on the trees? (Where?)
•  Is decay evident at unions, base, or elsewhere of the trees? A bore test, ultrasound or resistograph may be required to determine extent of decay of the trees
•  Is the tree causing damage to structures? (Which structures? How? )
•  Does the tree have a significant lean?

 Reason for Tree Removal:

• For construction purposes, e.g., new house, addition, landscaping, etc.
• Safety (Is the tree hazardous? If yes, identify the concern)
• Damage to structure (If damage to a structure is the reason, an engineers report may be required).
• The tree is in decline and is no longer viable to maintain.

Tree Replacement Information: The planting of large growing shade trees using a variety of species is encouraged in order to ensure achievement of a diverse, sustainable trees. Native trees and shrubs must be planted in ravines and natural areas to help maintain biodiversity.

 Arborist Recommendation: Recommend removal and replacement, recommend preservation, etc.

 TYPICAL TREE RETENTION AND PROTECTION INCLUDED IN AN ARBORIST REPORT:
 Where trees are to be retained and protected, a tree preservation plan which identifies and details tree protection methodology to be implemented prior to construction and maintained for the full duration of construction is included in the Arborist Report.  All tree protection snd preservation measures must be in place prior to the commencement of any construction activity.

 Ravine and Natural Feature Protection (RNFP) is a sub division of the City of Toronto Urban Forestry. Ravine and Natural Feature Protection (RNFP) regulates the Chapter 658 By-law which include all trees under Ravine and Natural Feature Protection's jurisdiction. The City of Toronto Trees under Chapter 813 Sec II are on City of Toronto Property usually along road way allowance and regulated by Tree Protection Plan review division.

 The Ravine and Natural Feature Protection (RNFP) By-law protects all trees (regardless of size or species), woodland vegetation and slopes within the regulated area.  A clearance is required from Urban Forestry RNFP prior to any work or disturbance within the regulated area. A permit is required to injure or remove any protected tree, or some cases place fill or alter grades.

 All ash trees on private property, including within protected ravine and natural feature lands that are infested with Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), are exempt from requiring a permit for removal.  

 Our typical arborist report and tree protection plan may cost $895 plus $45 per tree and could be completed in 10 business days.

The primary intent of  our Landscaping Architect Design is to ensure that landscape developments provide well-constructed, functional, aesthetically pleasing, and sustainable landscapes. Using creativity and innovation, our Landscape Architects aim to meet the needs of our clients while improving the environment.  All landscape plans shall be prepared by an accredited professional Landscape Architect in good standing with the Ontario Association of Landscape Architects (OALA). Our Landscape Architects design memorable landscape areas that are meaningful, attractive, functional and sustainable for proposed construction projects in Ontario including in Ontario including Our service area includes the following municipalities:
Toronto (City of Toronto), Hamilton (City of Hamilton), Oshawa (City of Oshawa), Pickering (City of Pickering), Clarington (Municipality of Clarington), Ajax (Town of Ajax), Whitby (Town of Whitby), Brock (Township of Brock), Scugog (Township of Scugog), Uxbridge (Township of Uxbridge), Burlington (City of Burlington), Halton Hills (Town of Halton Hills), Milton (Town of Milton), Oakville (Town of Oakville), Brampton (City of Brampton), Mississauga (City of Mississauga), Caledon (Town of Caledon), Vaughan (City of Vaughan), Aurora (Town of Aurora), East Gwillimbury (Town of East Gwillimbury), Georgina (Town of Georgina), Markham (City of Markham), Newmarket (Town of Newmarket), Richmond Hill (Town of Richmond Hill), Whitchurch - Stouffville (Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville), King (Township of King), Bradford-West Gwillimbury (Town of Bradford-West Gwillimbury). Our Landscape Architects are committed to improving the quality of  landscapes by applying creative, technical and scientific skills to manage and create landscapes  that are attractive, awesome, functional, innovative and appropriate. Our Landscape Architects are guided by the ideals of sustaining resources for future generations, accommodating human use and enjoyment, and enhancing aesthetic quality in the environment. Our Landscape Architects are conscious landscape designers with a consideration for natural phenomena and a sense of public responsibility to produce resilient and purposeful landscape plans.

Disease and drought have negatively affected certain tree species. Our Landscape Architect Designed landcape plans utilize a diversity of tree species hardy to the local area  to reduce the spread of pests and disease, and to mitigate the potential visual impact of losing one species within a localized area. Our Landscape Architect group trees within mulched beds to improve growth and survival. Our Landscape Architects design an appropriate mix of native trees, shrubs, ground covers and wild flower seed mixes to rehabilitate affected areas which cannot be protected during construction.

To promote biodiversity and a healthy growing environment,  we recommend 10% of all plant materials, where possible and appropriate, be of larger sizes. Larger material (trees or larger shrubs) shall be at least 40mm caliper size (deciduous), 2.5m height (coniferous) and 5 gallon pot size (shrubs). 

Landscape Architect Design Criteria For Landscape Plans

Landscape screening is required for all exposed parking, driveways, service and garbage areas adjacent to other uses in Ontario including Our service area includes the following municipalities:
Toronto (City of Toronto), Hamilton (City of Hamilton), Oshawa (City of Oshawa), Pickering (City of Pickering), Clarington (Municipality of Clarington), Ajax (Town of Ajax), Whitby (Town of Whitby), Brock (Township of Brock), Scugog (Township of Scugog), Uxbridge (Township of Uxbridge), Burlington (City of Burlington), Halton Hills (Town of Halton Hills), Milton (Town of Milton), Oakville (Town of Oakville), Brampton (City of Brampton), Mississauga (City of Mississauga), Caledon (Town of Caledon), Vaughan (City of Vaughan), Aurora (Town of Aurora), East Gwillimbury (Town of East Gwillimbury), Georgina (Town of Georgina), Markham (City of Markham), Newmarket (Town of Newmarket), Richmond Hill (Town of Richmond Hill), Whitchurch - Stouffville (Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville), King (Township of King), Bradford-West Gwillimbury (Town of Bradford-West Gwillimbury)

High-branching deciduous trees are required along the perimeter of any development. Spacing requirements vary depending on the proposed land use and the adjacent land uses. Foundation planting is to consist of shrubs, vines and trees to be planted immediately adjacent to the building. Foundation planting is to be utilized to accentuate entrances to buildings and “break up” large expanses of blank walls that are visible from a roadway. Landscape screening is to consist of one of the following:

• Planting consisting of shrubs and trees with greater than 50% being coniferous tree planting; or
• Berming (1 m height minimum with a maximum slope of (33 %) and planting consisting of shrubs and coniferous trees; or
• Brick wall (1 m height minimum) with planting consisting of shrubs and coniferous trees.

Landscape Architect Designed Landscape Plans For Low Rise Multiple Residential Developments

• Landscape screening of the rear yard setbacks is required between privacy areas of townhouse blocks.
• Landscape screening of privacy areas is required from adjacent pedestrian walkways, internal roadways, recreational amenities and services areas. The minimum width is 5 m.
• Foundation planting is required near Special landscape treatment is required at the intersections of municipal and internal roadways all entrances.
• Front entrance walks are required from the front entrances of the units. The standard width of a front entrance walk is 1 m minimum and should be of a hard surface other than asphalt.
• Patios, which may include wood decks, are required to be a minimum of 11 sq m (not including steps).
• Privacy screens (1.8 m high wood screen fence) are required between the rear privacy areas of the units. The standard length of the screens is 3 m between privacy areas and 4.5 m minimum at the ends of the townhouse blocks. (Privacy screens are to screen the entire length of the patio area.)

• Special landscape arcitect design is required at the intersections of public roads.
• The landscape architect design should allow kiosks to be visible from the street for security purposes. Landscape screening will be required for exposed parking, storage, garage and propane tanks located adjacent to a public road.
• Pedestrian walkways to kiosk service stations are to be provided and designed for the handicapped.
• Air vents or underground storage tanks are not to be located in the landscaped areas.

Landscape Architect Designed Landscape Plans for Industrial Developments

• Where there are large expanses of blank exterior walls greater than 20 m in length visible from adjacent streets or provincial highways, the required landscape architec design shall include foundation plantings and screening.
• Foundation plantings are required adjacent to the main entrance.

On mixed Commercial/Industrial developments applications, a combination of Commercial and Industrial landscape requirements will be applied.

Stormwater management ponds are the most common end-of-pipe stormwater management facility used in Ontario including Toronto (City of Toronto), Hamilton (City of Hamilton), Oshawa (City of Oshawa), Pickering (City of Pickering), Clarington (Municipality of Clarington), Ajax (Town of Ajax), Whitby (Town of Whitby), Brock (Township of Brock), Scugog (Township of Scugog), Uxbridge (Township of Uxbridge), Burlington (City of Burlington), Halton Hills (Town of Halton Hills), Milton (Town of Milton), Oakville (Town of Oakville), Brampton (City of Brampton), Mississauga (City of Mississauga), Caledon (Town of Caledon), Vaughan (City of Vaughan), Aurora (Town of Aurora), East Gwillimbury (Town of East Gwillimbury), Georgina (Town of Georgina), Markham (City of Markham), Newmarket (Town of Newmarket), Richmond Hill (Town of Richmond Hill), Whitchurch - Stouffville (Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville), King (Township of King).. Its main functions are stormwater quantity control and quality control to prevent a community from flooding and watercourses from becoming polluted. With appropriate design on landscaping, stormwater management ponds can also benefit the community. The landscape and grading design has to allow for maintenance and management of the pond over its lifetime. Issues to consider are collection of trash, maintenance of plants and dredging of sediment. Stormwater management facilities shall be designed to blend with the natural landscape and therefore geometric forms and standard slope gradient should be avoided in favour of organic shapes; land form grading should be designed to replicate the natural landforms in the area.

The landscape architect design for stormwater ponds shall consider the following factors:
• stabilization of shoreline
• mitigation of effects on temperature and dissolved oxygen
• deterrence of waterfowl such as geese
• barriers to public access and public safety
• enhancement of linkages
• community benefits

Naturalization planting shall address the mass planting of individual and/or groups of native plant species that are indigenous to the subject area, having regard for the surrounding environment, orientation, drainage patterns, soil conditions and ecological rehabilitation. Existing natural and restored areas affected by the proposed development/improvements which cannot be protected during construction, must be restored with naturalization plantings.

The naturalized landscape shall be designed to provide a diverse native plant community that will further mature and develop into an enhanced natural environment with the objective of minimizing ongoing maintenance liabilities and demand on Municipal staff resources.

Plants should be located in an attempt to create an improved wildlife habitat, utilizing species that provide a source of food and shelter for birds and mammals.

Naturalization plantings assembled in rows and uniform arrangements must be avoided.

Guidelines to address naturalization planting include, but may not be limited, to the following:

• All plants shall be native material
• Minimum size for coniferous material shall be 1.8m height.
• Deciduous trees shall vary in size: minimum 1.5m high whips up to 40mm caliper stock. Larger sizes may be required for specific purposes.
• Deciduous shrubs shall be 1.2m height minimum.
• Large continuous mulched shrub beds are not recommended due to the aggressive weed competition in natural areas. Single pit plantings are preferred.
• A naturalized no-maintenance seed mix shall be specified for all disturbed areas.

Open space lands include natural heritage systems, environmental protection areas, forest edge areas, buffers and general open space areas and minimum requirements for open space lands include the following:

• Protection and or rehabilitation shall be based on recommendations in Environmental Impact Studies and any other environmental reports.
• The developer shall not disturb or otherwise use any portion of the open space lands for storage of topsoil and fill materials, or vehicles, equipment or any other construction material
• Deciduous trees shall be a minimum of 60mm caliper, 1.5m clear stem.
• Coniferous trees shall have a minimum height of 1.8m.
• Deciduous shrubs shall be a minimum 600mm height.
• A variety of plant material types and a diversity of species are encouraged.
• Side and rear lot line deciduous trees shall be provided at one (1) tree per 10m spacing. Where space permits, coniferous tree plantings are encouraged along side and rear lot lines. (Note: retaining walls and fences at the lot line shall not preclude the planting of lot line trees.)
• Parking areas, driveways, drive-through lanes, storage and loading areas shall be visually screened from the roadway and adjacent properties with buffer plantings.
• Plantings shall be utilised within parking areas to break up lengths of parking stalls, to delineate parking stalls and to define circulation routes.
• Tree plantings shall be used within parking lots and along the perimeter of parking lots to address shading, retain storm water, reduce urban heat
• island effects and to improve microclimate.
• Buffer plantings shall consist of substantial and generous plantings of deciduous and coniferous trees and low shrubs; deciduous trees may be
• multi-stem or smaller species.
• Shrub plantings shall be arranged in continuous beds with a minimum double row of each species.
• Shrub plantings shall be maintained at a maximum of 900mm height where shrub beds are located adjacent to pedestrian areas.
• Provide 1.5m setback from parking lot to planting beds to allow for car overhang and snow accumulation.
• Where there are vehicle turning areas (i.e., entrances, loading docks, turnarounds) tree and shrub plantings should be set back a minimum of 3m, and sightlines should be maintained.

We prepare Certified Landscape Architect Designed Landscape Plan in Ontario including :Toronto (City of Toronto), Hamilton (City of Hamilton), Oshawa (City of Oshawa), Pickering (City of Pickering), Clarington (Municipality of Clarington), Ajax (Town of Ajax), Whitby (Town of Whitby), Brock (Township of Brock), Scugog (Township of Scugog), Uxbridge (Township of Uxbridge), Burlington (City of Burlington), Halton Hills (Town of Halton Hills), Milton (Town of Milton), Oakville (Town of Oakville), Brampton (City of Brampton), Mississauga (City of Mississauga), Caledon (Town of Caledon), Vaughan (City of Vaughan), Aurora (Town of Aurora), East Gwillimbury (Town of East Gwillimbury), Georgina (Town of Georgina), Markham (City of Markham), Newmarket (Town of Newmarket), Richmond Hill (Town of Richmond Hill), Whitchurch - Stouffville (Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville), King (Township of King), Bradford-West Gwillimbury (Town of Bradford-West Gwillimbury) and could be completed in 10 business days.

 Having vast experience in Landscape architect design, we offer effective, innovative and cost efficient concept landscape designing, design detailing and drawings to our clients. Our landscape architects' proficiency in conceptualizing designs and plan in accordance with our clients' requirements has made us very successful.

Our commitment is to continually provide our customers the finest quality Landscape Architect Plans at a fair and competitive price with a superior customer satisfaction.

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